Applying to Bocconi University in Italy, but didn’t do well on the SAT? You may then want to consider taking the Bocconi Admission Test.
What?!? No SAT?
Before you jump at the chance NOT to take the SAT, let’s break down the Bocconi Admission Test and why you may want to take it, even if you took the SAT.
What is the Bocconi Admission Test?
The Bocconi Admission Test is a 75-minute, 50-question test specifically designed for students applying to Bocconi.
Each correct answer is worth 1 point. Incorrect answers cost you 0.2 points (two are worth -0.33 points). If you score lower than 17, you’re out of the application process. A good competitive score is 35 points out of 50. To achieve this score, you will have to see every question with strategically skipped questions.
All questions are multiple-choice with 5 answers. There are different types of questions, and they are mixed by the level of difficulty (easy, medium, difficult) and topic (e.g., reading, math). We’ll cover the 4 subject areas so you know what to expect.
Mathematics (24 questions)
To assess your ability to carry out operations with numbers, figures, and/or arithmetical signs and choose the correct answer quickly and precisely from a series of results. You’ll see:
- Algebra
- Functions
- Plane geometry
- Analytical geometry
- Trigonometry
- Sets
- Logarithms and exponents
- Discrete mathematics
- Numbers
- Problem-solving
- Statistics
You can find a description of each math topic area here.
The number of math questions was reduced from 28 to 24 for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle.
Reading Comprehension (11 questions)
To assess your ability to interpret texts fluently, correctly apply the mental processes associated with the categorization of verbal concepts and information, and correctly detail the main, supporting, and/or complementary ideas to draw correct conclusions from a written text. You read a one-paragraph passage and answer a question about it.
Numerical Reasoning (6 questions)
To assess your ability to draw conclusions from charts, graphs, and tables.
Critical Thinking (9 questions)
A passage or data and statements are followed by an assertion, and the applicant must decide whether this information, based on what is given in the passage, is true, false, or it cannot be deduced from the text because information is missing. Starting in 2025, four additional logic questions provide statements and ask a question that can be deduced from the statements.
Can you prepare for the Bocconi Admission Test?
Absolutely!
Despite what is written on Bocconi’s website, you can prepare for the test, and we have seen students increase the number of correct answers with practice.
Even just knowing the actual format of the test increases your score.
We firmly believe that you can prepare for EVERY test…and should.
Our homeboy Benjamin Franklin once said (or wrote):
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
So, here’s how we prepare students for the Bocconi Test.
How to Prepare for the Bocconi Admission Test
1. Become familiar with the format of the test.
Read Bocconi’s admissions test page to learn everything you can about the exam.
2. Use SAT reading and math strategies for these subject areas.
Once you actually start looking at each subject area, you’ll see some examples of the questions that parallel (though not exactly the same) what you have seen on the SAT. You can use the same strategies!
For Reading Comprehension, use your SAT writing knowledge. You’ll have to read the passage quickly and carefully, then use process of elimination (POE) to eliminate the incorrect answers. DO NOT try to save time by not reading the passage. Correct answers often tie together concepts from multiple parts of the passage, so you will end up reading the whole thing anyway.
Some questions will be easy, while others will be challenging. They are spread throughout the test and NOT in order of difficulty.
So…
Don’t make the classic test-taker mistake of speeding through the easy questions. Take your time on the easy questions so that you get them correct. You need them to build your score.
For harder questions, POE and then guess. Correct answers are 5 times more valuable than incorrect ones so try to at least see every question. Do NOT leave questions to come back to because YOU CAN’T GO BACK.
The Numerical Reasoning questions are easier versions of SAT math section 4 (the calculator section), which includes more charts, data, and graphs for analysis than the non-calculator section. You won’t need a calculator for the Bocconi test, but you should know your fractions, percents, and decimal equivalents. You may need to estimate the relative numbers from charts and tables.
3. Prepare thoroughly for the math questions.
For math questions, we hope you are up to date on your algebra! If you have done SAT prep, you are more than halfway there. You can expect to see lots of functions, algebra 2, and geometry on the Bocconi test. (If you haven’t prepped for the SAT, email us for help.)
However…
There are also logarithms. Most of the ones we found center around the definitions of logarithms. Be sure to complete these worksheets and really understand how to estimate logs:
4. Do more practice for the Critical Thinking section.
Some questions on the critical thinking part of the Bocconi Admissions Test can be like a logic puzzle. We’ve used these before with students and seen improvement:
If you want something else to practice, try logic puzzles! You can think about them and work them out. It uses the same skills as the Reading Comprehension section.
5. Do the Bocconi simulations.
You MUST do the online Bocconi test simulations before you take the real test because they are exactly like the real exam. Take them seriously and do each test in only 75 minutes, under test conditions. That means…
Try to set your room up as it will be during the real test…
Don’t use your calculator…
Have your camera positioned correctly (even though it won’t be on)…
And whatever else you can think of for the test setup on the real exam day. You want to run through this setup repeatedly so that you are not anxious when it’s time for the real exam.
6. Take the Bocconi test more than once.
Yes! Awesome!
You can take the Bocconi online test more than once. In fact, you can take it 4 (yes 4!) times. The number of test attempts was increased from 3 to 4 for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle.
Be sure to thoroughly read the Bocconi test site so that you know when you can take the test and the procedure. You must take the test before you apply. Plan your time and testing wisely! A good score that supports your application is 35 points out of 50.
Should you take the Bocconi Admission Test or SAT?
This is the magic question. It’s not really. You should take both.
Preparing for the SAT will make you sharp for the Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, and Numerical Reasoning sections of the Bocconi Admission Test. This advanced preparation significantly reduces the time required to prepare for the Bocconi test.
More importantly, the Bocconi Admission Test is only valid for admission to Bocconi. If you are applying to other universities (which you should be), they will not accept the Bocconi Test. Therefore, you will probably have to take the SAT anyway.
So then why bother with the Bocconi test?
It’s a great backup in case the SAT doesn’t go how you want. Bocconi University accepts a MINIMUM of 1040 on the SAT, but students often apply with more than 1350.
Less than 1350 on the SAT? Take the Bocconi test as well. We can prepare you for BOTH exams.
Ready to boost your chances of getting into Bocconi University?
Crush the Bocconi Admissions Test with expert help! Our private tutoring program is designed specifically for the Bocconi Admissions Test, giving you the strategies, speed, and confidence you need to perform at your best.
- One-on-one coaching tailored to your strengths and weaknesses
- Practice with real-style test questions under timed conditions
- Tips to master critical thinking, math, and reading comprehension
Don’t leave your dream school to chance. Start preparing the smart way. Book your FREE consultation today and get ahead of the competition!
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